In 2006, she co-edited a book (UCT Press) titled ‘Informal Settlements: A Perpetual
Challenge?’ which seeks to promote in situ upgrading of informal settlements in South
Africa and to provide a wide understanding of the complexities involved in this, also in
relation to housing rights. The book was welcomed by the Department of Housing.
The comment below draws on this experience. While identifying positive aspects of the
amendment, it also points out where the proposed amendment is a departure from spirit
and principles of the Breaking New Ground programme which introduced informal
settlement upgrading, embracing a tangible operationalisation of povery alleviation and
of the right to housing for desperately poor and under-housed people in South Africa.